Don and Christy Kriegel of rural Malcom are shown with their family and a representative of the Grinnell Lions Club after the couple was recognized with the Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award during Ag Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 27. Photo by Lexi Spooner.

By J.O. Parker
 
      A rural Malcom farm family with deep roots in traditional agriculture, row crops and livestock, who are also partners in a bison agri-tourism business, are the recipients of the 2026 Jim Urfer Spirit of Farming Award.
       Don and Christy Kriegel of rural Malcom were recognized at the annual Ag Appreciation Day held in Grinnell’s Central Park on Thursday, Aug. 27 for their contributions to the Poweshiek County farming community.
       Joining them in the operation are their four children, Neal, Karl, April and Crystal, along with their spouses and eleven grandchildren.
     The event, which has been under the direction of the Grinnell Lions Club since 2012, features tractors and farm equipment on display with a tractor of the year, a pedal tractor pull, petting zoo, food, music, a featured speaker, awards and honors, and a tractor parade as a grand finale.
       Don and Christy both grew up on farms and attended BGM High School.
       The couple met at the wedding of Don’s cousin. It just happened that Don’s sister was a classmate of Christy and she was in study hall with his brother.
       They celebrated 46-years of marriage this year.
       Their goal as a couple was to give their children the same experience they had. In fact, Don has spent his entire life, except one year, living between those two hills along 400th Avenue north of Malcom. Together they wanted to teach their kids a resilient work ethic, a foundation in faith, and the importance of family. 
       Proudly, Don and Christy attend all the grandchildren’s 4-H events, county fairs, horse shows, and anything else the family is involved in. They support all of their children’s endeavors from a custom application spraying business to hosting visitors at Sunset Hills Bison Ranch & Lodging. It’s there that guests get to see bison up close and spend the night in a fully-functional cabin or one of the three Conestoga glamping covered wagons on the ranch.
       The bison ranch was the idea of Don and Christy along with their son, Karl, and his wife, Bethany, and son, Neal. 
      When asked what keeps the family involved in agriculture and agri-tourism, Christy said, “We can’t image any other way of life. It’s always been that way.”
       “It’s a good family occupation,” added Don.
      When asked about being recognized with the Jim Urfer honor, “We were very surprised,” said Christy. “We were pretty honored that they selected us.”
         Don chimed in, saying, “His family never expected anything like that.”
        And lastly, Don said the farm that he and Christy call home will be a Century Farm in 2042.
          “I hope I am here to see it,” he said.

      Purchase Tickets for a train ride from Victor to Marengo and back
     Join us on Saturday, Oct. 10, for a scenic train ride from Victor to Marengo and back! All proceeds go to the Victor Fire Department, Brooklyn Fire Department, East Poweshiek Ambulance, and Poweshiek County EMA. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
     Ticket Price: $15 per person (adults & children)
    Available Seats: Three train departure times, with 300 seats per ride—totaling 900 seats
Mailing Address Required: Please provide a mailing address when purchasing tickets
   If you prefer to pick up your tickets instead of ordering online, visit Victor City Hall at your convenience.
    Contact Information: Office Phone: 319-647-2214; Email: victorwaterdept@netins.net
    For details on loading/unloading areas and parking, please refer to the attached map. Be sure to also review the attached disclaimer.
    Click Here to Purchase tickets: 
​    https://www.signupgenius.com/.../10C054CAEA72CA4FEC34...

        We're grateful for our community partners working every day to make sure no one in Grinnell goes hungry. Starting with MICA Food Pantry!
     MICA provides food assistance to individuals and families across our community, offering a welcoming place to access groceries and essentials when times are tight.
    Partnerships like this are the heart of the Grinnell Food Coalition. When local organizations work together, we build a stronger, more resilient food system for everyone.
       Know someone who could use support? Point them toward MICA Food Pantry, 609 4th Ave, Grinnell. Pantry hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

      A hugh congratulations to BGM's Avery Behounek on making Grinnell/BGM/Baxter swim history! Avery broke a 25-year-old school record in the 100 Breaststroke, posting an incredible 1:13.41!
       That’s a record-breaking swim and a moment worth celebrating!
       WAY TO GO, AVERY! We are SO proud of you!